Garage Door Off Track? How to Get it Back in 5 Easy Steps

Garage doors injure approximately 30,000 individuals every year. A significant chunk of these mishaps are connected to garage door off rack issues.

If a garage door goes off track, it can cause serious injury or thousands of dollars in property damage. Therefore, it’s best to keep your garage door running smoothly on its intended tracks.

In this article, we’ll tell you actionable steps that you can follow to ensure your garage door remains on track. Dive in, and let’s get that door back on track.

What Causes a Garage Door To Come Off Track?

Here are the most common causes that send a garage door off track.

Track Misalignment

One of the most common causes of off-tack garage doors is track misalignment. Garage door track misalignment occurs when the tracks that guide the garage door are not perfectly aligned.

Everyday wear and tear can misalign the garage door tracks, which increases the chances of the door coming off. If you don’t lubricate your garage door tracks regularly, the tracks will misalign sooner due to increased friction.

Structural Damage

Structural damage to the garage itself, perhaps from a vehicle’s external impact or improper installation, can displace the cables, rollers, and tracks from their proper position. In such scenarios, seeking emergency garage door repair service becomes crucial to prevent further damage and ensure safety.

When the tracks aren’t aligned, or the rollers are displaced, the garage door can’t glide smoothly and may fall off and injure someone or damage your property.

Loose Bolts & Brackets

Bolts and brackets keep the tracks securely in place. But over time, they become loose because of the constant stress exerted on them by the continuous movement of the garage door.

The loose bolts are unable to hold the tracks in their place. Consequently, the tracks are misaligned, and the chances of the garage door coming off its tracks increase tremendously.

Worn-Out Rollers

When rollers lose their shape or come off their bearings, they can’t glide smoothly, causing interruptions in the door’s movement. This can cause the garage door to come off its tracks.

Obstructions in the Track

Next on our list is the seemingly minor but surprisingly disruptive obstructions in the track. A buildup of debris, dirt, or even the occasional toy or tool can block the path of the door.

While they often go unnoticed, these trivial obstructions can halt the door’s progress and, in some cases, force it off its track.

Faulty Springs or Cables

Springs and cables bear much of the weight and tension of operating a garage door. Recognizing the signs of worn garage door springs is crucial, as these can lead to serious malfunctions. If you operate a garage door with damaged springs or frayed cables, the door is likely to come off its tracks. The damaged springs will exert an uneven force that will derail the garage door from its intended path.

In essence, a well-functioning garage door is the sum of its parts, and when one component fails or is compromised, it can throw the entire system off balance.

So, the importance of regular garage door maintenance and inspection cannot be stressed enough. On top of that, it is also essential to lubricate all the moving parts of your garage door to ensure a smooth and safe operation.

Signs Your Garage Door is Off-Track

Recognizing the signs that your garage door is off track can be the key to timely intervention and preventing serious damage or potential injury. Here are the telltale indicators to watch out for:

• Uneven Movement – If your garage door seems to wobble or doesn’t move up and down smoothly, it’s a clear sign something’s amiss.
• Visible Gaps – Noticing gaps between the rollers and the track? That’s a red flag indicating the door isn’t aligned properly.
• Loud Noises – While garage doors aren’t silent operators, any grinding, screeching, or unusually loud noises can be a sign of a problem.
• Stuck Door – If your garage door refuses to move, either staying shut or open, it’s likely off its track.
• Misaligned Tracks – Visibly bent or warped tracks are a surefire sign of track misalignment.

Being vigilant and spotting these signs early on can save you from bigger hassles down the road. Always prioritize safety and hire professional garage door repairmen if you’re unsure about the state of your garage door.

How To Put Garage Door Back on Track

Getting your garage door back on track might seem complex, but with the right approach and tools, it’s a task you can tackle.

Before diving into the DIY steps, it’s crucial to prioritize safety: Always disconnect the garage door opener and ensure the door is in the down position. This prevents any unexpected movements during the repair.

For this task, you’ll need a few essential tools. Gather:

• a pair of pliers
• a flathead screwdriver
• a rubber mallet
• an adjustable wrench.

Once you’re geared up, follow this step-by-step repair guide:

Step 1. Inspect the Tracks

Begin by visually examining the tracks on both sides of the garage door:

• Look for any signs of wear, rust, or visible damage.
• Identify areas where the track might be bent or warped.
• If you spot minor bends or any obstructions, use a rubber mallet to gently tap and rectify the bend, ensuring the track is straight and clear.

Step 2. Loosen the Tracks

For this step, use an adjustable wrench to:

• Carefully loosen the bolts that secure the tracks to the garage frame.
• Do not remove these bolts fully. Allow for a bit of wiggle room to adjust the tracks and reposition the rollers.

Step 3. Reposition the Rollers

With the tracks slightly loosened, it’s time to reposition any misaligned rollers. Use pliers to:

• Grip the roller and gently guide it back into its track.
• For stubborn rollers, a flathead screwdriver can be used to gently edge the roller back into its intended position on the track.

Step 4. Tighten the Tracks

Once you’ve ensured that all rollers are correctly positioned within the tracks, it’s time to secure everything back in place. Use the adjustable wrench to:

• Tighten the bolts that were previously loosened.
• Make sure the tracks are aligned properly with the wall and that there’s no unnecessary gap.

Step 5. Test the Door

Before reconnecting any automatic door opener, manually operate the garage door:

• Lift and lower the door several times, observing its movement. The door should glide smoothly without any hitches or wobbles.
• If the door operates without any issues, it’s safe to reconnect the automatic door opener and resume regular use.

After these steps, if your door is still acting up, it’s time to hire a garage door professional.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the damage to the tracks or rollers appears severe, it’s a clear sign to get a garage door professional’s opinion.

Repeated off-track incidents can indicate a deeper issue that might not be visible to the untrained eye. Situations involving damaged springs or cables are particularly risky. These components are under significant tension, and mishandling can lead to injury.

Lastly, trust your instincts. If you’re ever unsure about a step, feel overwhelmed, or sense any danger in performing the repair, it’s always wiser to consult with a professional. Their expertise ensures not just the smooth operation of your garage door but also your safety.

Garage Door Off Track Repair Cost

Most garage doors can be realigned and set right for a price range of $150 to $280. However, if the misalignment has led to a severely bent track requiring a complete replacement, the cost can shoot up, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars.

For example, garage door roller replacement is usually priced between $110 and $120, and cable replacement starts at $90. All of which increase the total repair cost.

Garage door off track repair costs can vary depending on multiple factors. Different regions have different labor costs, which adds to the total repair cost. Moreover, depending on the nature of the problem, the cost of the repair can change.

If you’re looking for a garage door professional to fix your garage door off track issue, get quotes from multiple service providers before settling on one to ensure you get the best service at affordable rates.

Always choose certified professionals who have years of experience and clients who can testify to the quality of their services.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Off-Track Garage Door

Follow the maintenance tips below to prevent your garage door from going off track:

Annual Inspection

Regularly inspecting the garage door tracks, rollers, and other critical parts can be the difference between a smoothly operating door and one that’s off track. Over time, these components can face wear and lead to bigger issues if not fixed or replaced proactively.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While DIY checks are great, a trained eye can spot and rectify problems beginners usually miss. They bring expertise that ensures your door functions optimally, potentially saving you from hefty repair costs in the future.

Keep Tracks Clean

The tracks are the backbone of your garage door’s movement. Keeping them clean and free from debris like leaves, dirt, or even small objects can significantly enhance door performance. A simple routine of clearing out obstructions can be your first line of defense against off-track doors.

Lubricate Moving Parts

All moving parts of your garage door benefit from regular lubrication. It minimizes friction, ensuring parts move seamlessly and reducing overall wear.

Check the Balance

Always check the balance of your garage door. A balanced door moves effortlessly and evenly. If you observe any leaning or uneven movement, it’s a sign that adjustments are needed.

In short, with regular checks and care, you can keep your garage door in good shape and avoid unexpected repair expenses.

Conclusion

A smoothly operating garage door system isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring safety and efficiency in your daily life. Regular checks help ensure that nothing pushes the garage door off track. That is why it is important to take a moment to do a quick check and always to prioritize safety.

If ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in the garage door technicians. Their expertise can save you time, money, and potential hazards.